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Economic Outlook: Archive

John Blank

Is the Fed Done Raising Rates?

As the FOMC were in the process of reversing multiple years of near zero interest rates, the path back to rate 'normalization' was communicated relatively clearly to the public.

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John Blank

Key Themes to Follow Closely in 2019

We acknowledge valid uncertainties around trade wars and rising interest rates. Yet there are solid economic fundamentals across the board.

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John Blank

The Rodney Dangerfield Economy Persists

It still "can't get no respect" from the stock market. Zacks Chief Strategist John Blank explains.

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John Blank

Is 3%+ GDP Growth Sustainable, or Have We Peaked?

Proponents of the recent the economic courses of action argue the latest numbers are evidence of well-designed policies. Opponents question their sustainability.

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John Blank

Fed Drops 'Accommodative' from Verbiage

This indicates we might be close to its 'neutral' rate. Where do we go from here?

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John Blank

Do Deficits Matter?

July marked the biggest increase in the U.S. trade deficit in 3 years. This occurred as the domestic economy continues to grow stronger, while demand abroad has weakened.

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John Blank

Do Deficits Matter?

July marked the biggest increase in the U.S. trade deficit in 3 years. This occurred as the domestic economy continues to grow stronger, while demand abroad has weakened.

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Mark Vickery

U.S. GDP Growth for Q2 Clocks in at 4.1%

Is this the new normal, or is there a fly in the ointment?

John Blank

What Do 'Normal' Interest Rates Look Like?

Is it a Fed Funds rate close to the real neutral interest rate, now at 2.9%, is it an unemployment rate close to the NAIRU, or is it something else?

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John Blank

Is the Phillips Curve the 'Loch Ness Monster' of Macroeconomics?

Is the inverse data relationship between higher consumer inflation as a consequence of a lower overall unemployment rate actually as robust as assumed?

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John Blank

Are Higher Interest Rates a Threat to the Market?

Interest rates increase, stock markets decline and recession follows... is it that simple?

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John Blank

Corporate Leverage: A Catalyst for the Next Downturn or Just Fuel to the Fire?

During this prolonged period of low interest rates, U.S. corporate debt has increased to levels above those seen prior to the financial crisis in 2008.

John Blank

Have Reports on the Death of Low Inflation Been Greatly Exaggerated?

Most -10% stock market corrections like this last 2 months. So buckle your seatbelt until April.

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John Blank

Economy Maintains Momentum, Though Inflation Stays Elusive

The double-digit growth driver within this fully employed part of the cycle is investment spending by U.S. rms.

John Blank

Economic Outlook for 2018: Will the Goldilocks Scenario Persist?

2017 was characterized by a rare occurrence of solid economic growth with a tightening labor market below the level of natural employment.

John Blank

Is a Recession Imminent?

Spreads this low are concerning. Investors should closely observe developments in upcoming months.

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John Blank

What Will Be the Effect of Fed Policies?

The Fed has laid the groundwork for a third rate rise in December, and more rate hikes will follow in 2018. So, investors wonder, "How will a chain of policy rate increases affect the key financial markets?"

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John Blank

GOP Tax Cuts and Economic Growth. Is There a Link?

a permanent increase in the growth rate will be very difficult, but a temporary increase might be enough to raise the standards of living.A

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John Blank

The Wage Growth Puzzle

Why we are not observing stronger increases in consumer price levels?

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John Blank

The Inflation Conundrum

As the Federal Reserve lays the groundwork for a further normalization of its policy instruments, it is finding it difficult to explain the sticky low inflation tied to the strong US economy.

John Blank

The Inflation Conundrum

As the Federal Reserve lays the groundwork for a further normalization of its policy instruments, it is finding it difficult to explain the sticky low inflation tied to the strong US economy.

Zacks Equity Research

Don't Worry About Q1 GDP Growth

While estimates for Q1 GDP growth have come down, overall growth for the year is expected to improve from last year's pace.

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Zacks Equity Research

Q1 GDP Growth Likely on the Weak Side

Residual seasonality is likely causing first quarter growth to be weaker than its true pace.

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